It’s the start of a new life

After hearing the babies heart beat I am officially going to start to Blog about my mommy venture’s….

It’s been 5 weeks since I found out I was pregnant, and what a LONG 5 weeks it has been!!  I can feel the changes that my body has gone through. I could have sworn I gained 10 pounds over the last 5 weeks, but actually lost 1 pound.

I’ve been told that I’m lucky for not feeling over board sick and not really having to meet with the toliet on a regular basis. I’m pretty sure I had the flu for a few days because I had a fever and achey body, and couldn’t keep a thing down. Then after a few days, I was back to my normal self, eating every two hours and sleeping inbetween!!!

I have to admit, we were not planning this baby. Well, not yet anyways.  We are going on another big trip in August and we were determined to wait because I did not want to have to “hold back” so to speak, on this trip.

BUT, God had different plans. I don’t doubt this baby and God’s plan. I think the timing is more perfect then we could have expected. I’m ready to be a mom. And BJ, well, He’s more ready to be a dad that he might admit. (and he’ll be a great one at that!)

I love the typical questions that everyone wants to know about.

How are you feeling?

What do you want? A boy or a girl?

Was this planned?

How many kids do you want?

Are you going to let people rub your belly?

You have a glow already! And I can see that your showing already!! (are you sure I’m showing or am I just bloated?)

I love the questions. I guess because it’s my first every step is new and exciting. But to answer these quickly and officiantly, I have my answers down to a science.

I’m feeling great, just ALWAYS hungry (and thats frustrating).  I don’t care what we have as long as it gets here healthy and in my arms. No, this was not planned! not yet anyways. I want lots of kids. It’s always been that way. But my husband, well I will get lucky if I can get to 3! And do I really have a say in people rubbing my belly?? Haha. I’m am expecting everyone around me to rub my belly and I don’t care. Just wait till I’m showing and I don’t feel fat! And thank you for saying I’m glowing. Atleast your not telling me I look deathly pale and could really use some sun. Are you sure your feeling ok?? And no, I am not showing. So my Dr. tells me. I can’t suck in. My belly sticks out, and therefore I am bloated. 24/7… and I’m ok with that.

SO, there’s my last 5 weeks. I am going to blog so much more because of this baby and keeping as many people updated as possible.

Love, The Carpenters and Baby Bean…

Here I am Lord… Send Me

Today I had the greatest pleasure to be at church and learn, once again, why I am truly here on this earth.

To go and preach the good word to My Neighbor. My City. My Country. My World.

And now I have a new theme song, thanks to Aaron Jackson and our worship band. Words to live by. Stand by. And to be proud that we serve an amazing Jesus!

God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served

Jesus, You have called us
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God

You have shown us, what You require
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6k-knvCWUA

HALLELUJAH… I am DEBT FREE!!!

I can’t believe it!!! After a few years of silly credit card debt IT’S ALL GONE!!!!! I felt like that picture for so long. Although I went to a credit counsling program and they helped A LOT, I still feel like it was a tough fight. After all this time I completely forgot what I bought with all the credit cards. I probably don’t even have half of it. I know some of the things that I used my credit card for was needed like groceries, my car, things like that, but STILL!!!

Thousands of dollars for what????

What good did it do for me, besides the fact that I had close to NO MONEY for over 2 years!!!

Thankfully, I married a man who has NO “bad” debt and is a strong advocate of not having any unnesseccary debt.

For a few months I am going to enjoy having some money. Save some of my money. And then…. ::drum roll please:: I get a new one of these….

 

 

 

Or something close to it!!!

I know you’re all thinking “BUT CHERITH, That’s just MORE DEBT!!”. Your right. I could save a few thousand dollars and go buy a used car that is semi close to what I want. BUT have you meet my husband??? haha.. he never goes into buying something with out a plan. He has a plan. And a really good one in fact. I have no worries that I will be able to get and afford this car when the time comes. And did you know that I’ve had the SAME CAR since I was 16!!!!! I think it’s about time I get something I haven’t had, which is a brand new car!!!

 

YAY FOR ME!!!! I’m out of debt and it feels weird!!!

Can’t sleep

you know when there is SO MUCH running through your head that sleeping isn’t even an option?? Well I decided to do something about it and thats watch my favorite YouTube Video called “David after Dentist”. I have to tell you the first time I saw this I was CRYING cause i was laughing so hard!!! This is a must watch. Please enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

You can not tell me that you didn’t laugh so hard you about pee’d… I mean really “Is this real life??” AH HAHAHAHA…. (can you believe you can actually buy T-shirts cause of this clip??)

Dreaming

Hello there world. I think it’s time for a girlie moment. SO for all you boys that read my blog.. today might NOT be your day! LOL

For the longest time I have dreamed about my future children. They were always fuzzy but my heart would sink and I would cry or could feel their touch. It was enough for me to know that even though it was a dream, it was very real.

Well, a few years ago I felt like God named my first child. I can’t quite explain to you how this happened. I just knew. Deep in my heart. Mainly because it was a name I have NEVER heard of and it came out of no where. I just had this deep desire that my children would have incredable names that truly meant something.  And wha-la here is this name… wanna know what it is????….

Sage Madison

Yes, Sage as in the herb. BUT the meaning is what makes it something so unique. Sage means Propheit! But wait.. there’s more.. Madison means Light and Warrior!!! How stinkin powerful!!! Nothing more do I want a daughter who is strong and beautiful and has incrediable depth to her life. SO.. you can only imagine that i started thinking about her more. Praying about her more.. And dreaming about her more.

One night, my mom and I both had a dream about her! Amazing right?? I thought so.

But wait there’s more…

So, it has been awhile since I’ve really had good children dreams. (haha, thats what I’m calling them) I have dreams but never really clear. But always makes my heart jump. ANYWAYS, last night… I had a dream of all dreams. It was amazing. I didn’t want to wake up. I gave birth to my baby girl. And it was beautiful. Every one that i love was there. It was peaceful, amazing.. and then i looked at her, kissed her and said “hello Sage Madison”. And then all of the sudden it was Spring. Sage was three or so.. and I could see her. Clear as day. And she looked JUST LIKE BJ! Blonde hair, petite, big blue eyes, and a mouth just like his. She was beautiful. Everything I wanted was in that moment. And I had to wake up.

I know it sounds silly. But it’s in those moments that I pray for my future kids. I have no idea how many I’ll have or what they will really look like. But all I know is that God has his hands all over it. And I am so ready!

….  ok, enough dreaming for the day. more to come. It’s been to long since I’ve updated this thing!

 

(and NO I’m not pregnant)

Selfishness

There is a lot to be said in this title. In Fact, there is a lot going through my head about that word.

SELFISHNESS.

As a child you are told and taught to think of others. Don’t hit your brother. Share your toys. Share your treats. Love everyone. Give here, give there. As you get older you learn there are MORE places to be unselfish. You develop friendships. You become committed to things. You have jobs. Things that require to make you think about other people.

I have learned that lately, I am a very selfish person. I want to sound better, look better, have the perfect house, the perfect life… BLAH BLAH BLAH

Well… I can’t have that. I can’t have those wonderful things until I become self-less.

LESS of me and MORE of Jesus.

Some people (hint hint: mom) would disagree and say that I am not selfish in many ways. Which in some ways, I’m not. I love giving of my time, time that I don’t have, to commit myself to many things that I can’t say no to. I love GIVING GIFTS!! If I have $5 to last me all week I would rather by someone lunch with it then spend it on myself. But there is SO MUCH MORE to being unselfish then just doing good works.

self⋅less  –adjective

having little or no concern for oneself, esp. with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish.

MAN… WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!?!?! God called us to be WILLING SERVANTS!!! Just like he was. He was all about the people that surrounded him. Loved the people more then he ever loved himself.

We’re talking about a man that can do anything he ever wanted. Could have had all the riches and fame in the world, and he chose to serve his people.

I was reminded tonight, by Pastor Aaron, the story about Jesus washing people’s feet. The lowest of the lowest position in a house hold, and Jesus did it. JESUS DID IT! With no hesitation. With no contemplating. With no REGRET! Just.. did it.

Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Putting others needs above your own is a difficult thing. For a mother to a child I would think it’s hard, but not difficult because they NEED you. Although I’m sure there are mom’s out there who would just like a break. But knowing that the small (or big) child needs you would make you lay all of you selfishness aside, and do it. But when it comes to adults, or people of your age.. Isn’t it harder? Seeing that man on the street needing money.. it’s hard. Knowing that he could get a job somewhere if he just cleaned himself up and tried. But God says to do it any way. Love them any way. Give of yourself any way.

Servant: a person in the service of another.

When I read this definition I think… “man, I am sooo bull headed”. I can’t just do something for someone without thinking what I will get in return. Or How will this advance me in my life? Not realizing that it will advance me into God’s Kingdom and that should be the one and only thing that I truly care about. I want God to be proud of me. And I truly believe that he has called us ALL to be servants. Not just the people that are good at it. Cause I can tell you right now, there are a few people at the top of my head that give without ceasing. Or hesitation. And I want to be one of those people that someone think about when they hear the word servant!

Let me let you in on a little tid bit of my life. I am very selfish when it concerns my relationship with my Husband. Now I realize that we are BOTH very stubborn people. And this is not a confession that is to be held over my head. But this is a working process. God tells us women to cherish or husbands and to bring them good, not harm.  Selfishness is and can be a very powerful thing. It’s a life style that can take over us when we’re not looking. Like that ugly shirt with holes that you just don’t want to get rid of. Selfishness. Stubbornness. I have it all.

I’m making a world wide confession (and don’t hate me but,)… BJ, I AM SO SORRY!! I am so sorry that I am selfish when it comes to our marriage. Our way of life. The way we think things. God hears us. He knows the desires of our hearts. I see the man of God that you are and I don’t doubt you. We are both stubborn… But I want to learn more and more how to be a great servant wife. (but not THAT kind of servant! ) I love you more then you will ever know. You are my world and I would be lost without you. I’m learning. We’re learning. Together, this is what God has for us. I know it. and I LOVE YOU!

 

To everyone else out there reading this. This was a venting moment. Something that I needed to do. Typing it all out makes it more clear. And in return please know that SELFISHNESS gets you no where, except back to feeling empty. Do something for someone. Everyday. Not just today, or tomorrow. But everyday. Give a hug. A penny. Clean a house. Whatever. God called us to be servants for a reason. He knows the out come. And the ultimate impact… TO CHANGE THE WORLD! And we can… one servant at a time.

Peace

Cherith

What kind of “parker” are you?

ok, so I have a fun post. And something that I am determind to make you think about next time you go to the store.

So.. how do you park? Or should I say how long does it take you to park?

See.. when I go to the store I want to get a parking spot and get it quickly. My theory is. It will take me longer to find a parking spot that is close, when it won’t take me long to find a spot a little further and walk 2 minutes into the building.

Now, I know that right now in most cases, it is FREEZING outside. BUT think about it. With driving and driving around you are waisting gas and just getting more frustrated. So I have come up with different types of “Parkers” with the help of Ryan Sycrest and his radio show.

I AM:

a) The 20 Minute driver – I will wait as long as I have to, to get that perfect spot and will drive around in circles at my destination because I KNOW THAT SOMEONE WILL BE LEAVING THAT SPOT.. sooner then later

b) The Stalker – I will follow anyone and everyone that comes out of a store to see where they have parked. If it’s to far away I will follow someone else. And then I will proceed to sit in the middle of the aisle with my blinker on INDICATING that I am waiting (and have been waiting) for THAT particular spot. You can’t have it.

c) The Hiker – I know what I want and need in the store. I will park a little further away if it means that I will get in and out of the store faster. I have a mission. And I can walk fast even if it’s cold out.

 

SO, my question to you is.. what kind of parker are you?

Come on.. don’t be shy. And if you can think of some other kind of parker that you know of tell me!!!

Take my Poll

The Hiker,

Cherith

Over 1,000 hits!

I just have to share that I have had over 1,00 people visit my blog!!! I don’t care if that means a lot of the same people have looked at my site a few times over… I’m just excited… OK… that is awesome…

More Post to come!

This year is mine in 2009!

Cherith Brook

It’s been to long and… WE’RE GOING ORGANIC!

Wow… what a long few months it has been. I know I know… don’t say it. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!!

Well, lets just say, the holidays got the best of me and I became non stop. Literally. I never really sat down. I probably got to update TWITTER more then this thing because I can just text whatever I feel to it! Unlike the Internet that I don’t have on my phone. IF I DID (hint hint babe.. I need an iPod Touch!) I would have gotten on here much more often. well I have a few new year resolutions that I am posting today… tell me what you think

#1) As in the title.. We’re going organic. As in our food.. our life.. our way of things around the house. It’s kind of hard because you have to spend money to save money. I don’t know. If you have any good tips we’re game. My husband is a major money pincher.. so keep that in mind.

#2) I’m FINALLY going to do something about my passion for Event Coordinating and darn it! I’m getting a  business started! I’m a little nervous about it. I went to a Bridal show today and was a tid bit overwhelmed. Things change so much in a year. Can I keep up with this gig?

#3) Last but not least… the goal for everyone… I’m LOSING WEIGHT. Or more like, actually sticking to goals that I made LAST YEAR… I’m going to work out if it kills me and eat healthier dang it!!! I ate all my last good bye to the things I will no longer have… so thats it. I’m doing it.

 

So… I’m back. Offically. I have a post that I can’t wait to put up. I’m hoping you will all enjoy it and it will make you laugh. Maybe tomorrow… maybe

This year is mine in ‘09!!!!!

Cherith

This guy named “Bill”

So this isn’t the post that I have up my sleeve.. but timing is not there yet so I am going to share something else. (and besides, I just can’t get away from this blogging thing)

 

OK… as you have learned I work at a Hotel. I personally think it’s the best Hotel in Fort Wayne. Although we may not be a Conrad Hilton or something else super fancy, we are a beautiful hotel located in the heart of downtown. But with being located downtown we have our “regulars” that come in off of the street filling out applications thinking they will get a job at a place like this. Although we have a no-discriminating policy, we are still a little picky on who we bring in.

Well, working at the front desk you see them all. Homeless, on house arrest, young, old, people that smell like alcohol or weed… the works. I have to admit, it gets irritating. EVERYONE wants an application and some people will come in every week filling out a new one. We’re also nitourious for getting homeless people sleeping in random spots or using our bathroom as their personal shower. So as you can tell, I really do see it all.

You can only imagine that being like Jesus on a regular basis is difficult. And yesterday I was put to the test.

Sometimes, we get people that are just… strange. They will linger around the hotel, sitting down watching people, fill out an application that takes them an hour (literally), using our bathroom, asking questions about the hotel… anything to keep them in there longer. And yesterday was my turn for a guy like that.

Today we’ll name him… Bill. He looked like a Bill, older, short, glasses, gray hair and slow to speak. Bill came off of the street. As soon as he walked up to the counter I knew what he wanted. Thus, my start of judging. He had a strange sense about him. Very slow moving, slow speaking asking a lot of questions. I don’t remember much of what we talked about. I was in the middle of working and I try to not get people to chat with me if they are not a guest staying with us. But not Bill… he was determined to grab my attention. He would walk away for about 5 minutes and come back up to the counter with something to say. He did this about 5 times. He was there for a good 20 minutes or so. We weren’t really busy at this time yesterday so I tried my hardest to smile at him when he would talk and answer his questions quickly. But then he stopped asking questions and said to me “Can I talk to you about me?”… DING DING DING…. warning signs were going off in my head!! My first response to him was “About what? your application? I am not the person you need to talk to about that. I just take your application.”… then he proceeds to tell me a few more things which got me thinking “Wow… he is a little weird. I hope he’s almost done before someone sees him”. (horrible I know.. just stick with me) After he was done chatting I caught myself.

I was thinking not so great things about him. BUT HE IS GOD’S CHILD JUST LIKE I AM. Something in me told me that I should say a quick prayer for him, so I did.

“God, be with him. you know him better then I do. Bless him and keep him safe”

AND THEN… There’s Bill!!! Again… he walked up to the counter right after I prayed to myself and said to me “I’m not strange. I don’t want you to think I’m weird” I said “ok, have a nice day” in a semi-sweet toned voice

then he walked away.. but to the corner of my eye I see him standing there and he comes up to me and says to me “I FEEL LIKE I NEED TO TELL YOU GOD BLESS YOU”

God Bless me??? I was just judging you (in my head) and you want to say to me Be blessed??

WOW…. Talk about slap in the face hard core reality.

Everyone I meet will be different to me. Yes, there will be times that I will get irritated, but I know that God loves them and they are to be blessed just like I want my life to be blessed. Regardless of their circumstances.

 

Bill, I know you will never read this. But you changed me yesterday. I want to be like you and Bless everyone like you did me. Know that Jesus is so proud of you. I am. And I don’t even know you.

 

Lord, help me to be more like you everyday. I don’t want to judge people. You never judge people, you love them. I know that if you were here today, you would still walk the streets and go into those deep dark places that us “holy people” will never go. LORD I AM NOT THAT!!! You are my rock and I want you to be that for others. Break me and mold me. You are who I want to be like. Not images I see on TV. But you.